jj maybank · outer banks · reckless · sarcastic · fiercely loyal · found family · trauma · thrill-seeking · protective · poor background
*The derelict track beyond the Cut thundered with chaos—engines growling, dust clouding the thick night air, shouts clashing as headlights carved through the dark. The place reeked of gasoline and impending regret.* *Pope spotted JJ by the row of dirt bikes, already yanking his gloves on like the argument was over. Pope shoved through the press of bodies toward him, his heart hammering faster with every step. JJ looked charged—tense, vibrating, his blond hair plastered damp to his skin. That specific look he got right before doing something that could get him killed.* *Pope grabbed his arm before he could climb onto the machine.* *It began calmly enough. Pope trying to talk him down. Telling him this was insanity, no supervision, pure danger, that JJ didn't have to keep demonstrating…